Thread: Thoughts on a new processor

So I got the itch again, and was wanting to swap out my avr for a new one. I have been looking around and an entry level avr is going to cost me at least $600. I got to thinking I have out board amps so what is the point of going with an avr, why not go with a processor?? The Emotiva umc-1 has my eye right now they are on clearance for $500, so I am just looking for some input from my fellow junkies. Just want to weigh out the pros and cons of this unit one thing I do know is the video processing is not the best in this unit but since I only run a 720p plasma that does not bother me, plus the audio side of things is what I really care about and I hear good things about it in that realm. What do you guys think?? I can't even find anything out there at this price point if there is anything else at this price point even if it is used I am open for suggestions. Here is a link to specs on the umc-1

LINK

From everything I've read you will not be able to beat Emotiva's price point on new equipment.

I don't know if any of these are important to you or not... it won't do 3-D out with HDMI 1.3a, no Audio Return over HDMI (ARC), I have no experience with Emo-Q™ so I have no clue if it works as well as Audessey, no phono stage, only one sub-out.

Thanks for pointing out those cons Vlad I didn't even notice those, but those don't make a difference to me so I guess it doesn't really matter. I am not a huge fan of Audessey myself so not having that feature isn't a deal breaker for me. As far as the dual sub out it does have a balanced sub out and a rca pre out, though I wonder if both can be used at the same time. Still that is not a deal breaker for me as a Y adapter can be used if I add another sub which I doubt I will do. I have read people comparing these to the entry level Marantz and seems what most are saying is AQ goes to the EMO and PQ goes to the Marantz.

The sub-out thing is only an issue if you're trying to control the subs with the Pre/Pro. If you're going to set everything up manually, and use the sub woofers controls than a y adapter will work just fine.

you can get an onkyo ht-s3300 for about $250, with 5.1 speakers. it is 3d has hdmi 1.4, and arc. audessy dynamic,. great set for starter. i own one and it is really good, nice clear crisp sound and deep bass.

heres so info on it. picture, bottom link has info .

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...&s=electronics



http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...786&CatId=4585

Ummm thanks tony but that setup would be a major major down grade for me, I have some very nice speakers and sub and nice amplification too I just need a processor. Thanks for the input anyway. Those Onkyo HTIB's are absolutely fantastic!!

Thing is tony if I went with an avr it would need to have pre outs so I could run my outboard amps. I wish some of those AVR's would come pre outs, because some would make for a nifty little processor on a tight budget. What are your thoughts on the EMO??

Hi caliber,

analog or digital audio for you?

Well right now everything is digital, but I do want to have to option for at least one multi channel analog input which I notice the Emo doe have. See down the road I would probably get a OPPO bd player. With that one a part of the lineup I really only need one set.

I thought about getting the UMC-1 but the many complaints about issues (even though I think many of these issues are now fixed ?!?) made me change my mind.

Good input Bruzzi and one of the first things I read about. It seems as if the issue's are now fixed, and with the warranty it does not concern me too much. I am still looking to see if there are any major issues with it and hope that if you fellas run across issue's that are still not addressed that you will post back and let me know.

Man, I really love beer.


Oops...wrong thread.
Carry on....

Originally Posted by GOS

Man, I really love beer.

805 was a damn good piece of equipment, that would be though to cut loose with.

Originally Posted by GOS

Man, I really love beer.


Oops...wrong thread.
Carry on....

So after further research I just don't see any reason not to get UMC-1. It seems to take crap over bugs, but those appear to have all been fixed. The other thing it takes crap about is the Emo q auto cal. which I can't really understand because unlike allot of AVR's and Pre/Pro's the UMC-1 give the user the option to eq each and every speaker individually which to me goes above and beyond what Audessey and the likes allow. Seems to me it will take much much more time and use of either RTA or room eq wizzard but being able to calibrate every speaker individually is a major major advantage to me regardless of the time it takes. $500 with free shipping and a five year warranty with a 40% off upgrade card!! They may as well give the damn thing away!!

I have been looking at second units also, but still cant find anything close to what emo offers for the money. Seems Marantz,Onkyo, and Integra are the only other offerings and they cost much more even when shopping for used equipment. If any one else has suggestions as to what other brands I should be looking at please chime in and let me know.